Chaim Yisroel Wilhelm (Crown Heights) and Mussie Gurary (Crown Heights).
IYH at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

Roei Uliel (Jerusalem, Israel) and Mushkie Korn (Crown Heights).
IYH at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

Zevi Greenbaum (N Miami Beach, FL) and Nechama Dina Menkes (S Monica, CA).
IYH at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

CrownHeights.info has become the one website readers can count on for all, up to the minute news and events in Crown Heights. This is made possible by the work of our dedicated staff along with the assistance you, our readers give us, by sending in your emails with information about events and incidents.

Our photographer was hard at work over the past two days covering all the Yud Tes Kislev Farbrenges in Crown Heights, in the extended article is a list of all the Farbrengens we managed to get to, for your viewing pleasure.

Full list of links in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yossi and Mashie (nee Bluming) Slavaticki (Antwerp, Belgium) on the birth of their firstborn son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

As we have reported last week about the new weekly newspaper that was published by the Crown Heights Community Council and made it available for download, we are pleased to make this weeks addition of the paper also available.

Click here to download the newspaper in PDF format.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Reb Yoel Kahan farbrenged with Bochurim in the dining room of 1414 President St. There was a large crowd of Bochurim and Anash, who farbrenged well into the night. Scattered in the crowd were Chassidim from Boro Park and Williamsburg.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (20 pictures)

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] – The central Farbrengen took place in the Kollel where Anash and Bochurim packed in to Farbreng with Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky, Rabbi Moshe Kotlasky, Rabbi Zev Katz and a special guest Rabbi Moshe Walberg.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (34 Pictures)

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Rabbi Yosef Weinberg Farbrenged with the mispalelim of the Rayim Ahuvim shul. Rabbi Weinberg spoke about the set of Seforim he compiled called ‘Shiurim Besefer Hatanya’ and the directives the Rebbe gave him while working on the set.

» Extended Article

Yudi and Rivky (nee Brikman) Steiner.
IYH at 365 Crown St, [bet New York and Brooklyn Ave].

Yisroel Zvi and Chanie (nee Junik) Davidsohn.
IYH at 763 Eastern Pkwy, Apt D21, [Across the street from 770] .

Moishe and Avralema Muchnik.
IYH at 1406 Carroll St, [bet Kingston and Albany Ave].

Dov and Chanie (nee Schoenes) Zeichner.
IYH at 786 Montgomery St, [bet Albany and Troy Ave].

Yanky and Esther Rivkah Telsner.
IYH at 37 Balfour Pl, Crown Heights, [Map This].

Yakov and Aviva Borodkin.
IYH at 1558 Union St, [bet Albany and Troy Ave].

Shaya and Chaya Devorah Fogel.
IYH at 39 St Nicholas Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701.

Leibel and Dvonye Korf (Shluchim to the Greater Los Feliz, CA).
IYH at 1932 N New Hampshire Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

Yossi and Miriam (nee Newman) Rapoport.
IYH at 4225 Lime Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807.

Shimon and Chaya Posner (Shluchim to Rancho Mirage, CA).
IYH at 72-295 Via Marta, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.

Asher Mendel and Racheli Yemini (Shluchim to Los Angeles, CA).
IYH at 1432 S Crest Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90035.

Moshe and Yehudis Steiner (Shluchim to Toronto, Canada).
IYH at 76 Cocksfield Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Eliezer and Soroh Eidelman.
IYH at 38 Kings Rd, Old Trafford, Manchester, Trafford, UK.

Yossi and Mashie Slavaticki (Shluchim to Antwerp, Belgium).
IYH at Brialmontlei 48, Antwerp, 2018 Belgium.

Stay tuned as we update this list as information becomes available. However, in an unfortunate event that we do not get all the Sholom Zochors this week, we are sorry. But you can help! If you know of any Sholom Zochors or Mazal Tovs you can email it to us at MazalTov@CrownHeights.info! Thank You.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] – In two Farbrengens for the Mesivta Bochurim in Lubavitcher Yeshiva, teachers Farbrenged with their students, with guest Rabbi Shaya Gansburg who joined in and Farbrenged with the Bochurim.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (19 pictures)

» Extended Article

The Rebbe says:

1. In this week’s Torah portion the Torah tells us that Yoseph Hatzadik (Joseph the righteous one) was a man who was “Yefas To’ar V’Yefas Mar’eh – handsome of form and handsome of appearance” and he would curl his hair . The Torah continues and tells us that this caused the wife of his master Potiphar to cast her eyes upon him and want to lie with him , and this eventually landed him in jail . However, even while he was in jail Hashem was with him and he was successful in whatever he did .

In short, there are two parts to this story; 1) Yoseph Hatzadik was “Yefas To’ar V’Yefas Mar’eh – handsome of form and handsome of appearance”, and 2) the issue of Potiphar’s wife.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] – A Large Farbrengen took place in 770 with many members of Anash and Bochurim in attendance, the Mara Deasra Rabbi Avrohom Osdaba spoke, following the crowd broke up in groups and Farbrenged into the wee hours of the morning.

» Extended Article

Wednesday night following the live weekly shiur, Rabbi Jacobson continued to farbrang in honor of yud tes kisleiv. The farbrangen was viewed by over 2000 viewers live. In light of the many requests of our viewers and listeners, you can view last nights farbrangen here.

More Video in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Opening the Yud Tes Kislev Farbrengen in Beis Shmuel Chabad was a special Hascholas Safer Torah which members of the Shul took part in filling in the first letters of a new torah that will soon be dedicated to the Shul.

Rabbi Moshe New, Shliach to Montreal Canada, Farbrengen with the crowd.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (51 pictures)

» Extended Article

BARRINGTON, RI — What is being called by its sponsors a “grand family Hanukkah celebration” will take place on Sunday, Dec. 9, in front of Town Hall from 3:30 to 5 p.m. “This is the first time in history in Barrington that this is going to be taking place,” said Rabbi Moshe Laufer, director of the Chabad of Barrington, which is coordinating the event. “There has been a lot of strong interest from the Jewish community at large about this,” he said.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn, [CHI] — Thursday night Friendship Circle farbrengen in honor of Yud Tes Kislev at the Jewish Children's Museum.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (23 pictures)

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yisroel (Sruli) Lerner (Brooklyn NY) and Miriam Stock (Trumbull, CT/Crown Heights) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Wednesday night, Bochurim from the Chovevei Torah Zal sat down to Farbreng with Rabbi Yossi Paltiel a Mashpia in the yeshiva in honor of Yud Tes Kislev.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (22 pictures)

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Shaul (ben R Yossi) Goldman (Crown Heights) and Esther Baila Hecht (S Francisco, CA) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

TSFAS, Israel [CHI] — The young Shliach Hatomim Nachman Oberlander the son of the Head Shliach in Hungary, Harav Boruch Oberlander, began this week putting on Teffilin as is customary two months before his Bar Mitzvah. For this special occasion his father and brother went to Eretz Yisroel and joined in the event of his Hanochas Teffilin.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

Spotting an extraordinary teacup, a middle age couple who shared a deep appreciation for fine antiques and pottery, asked the proprietor of a local antique shop if they might have a closer look: “We’ve never seen a cup quite as beautiful,” they told the lady while she handed them the delicate article.
“I've not always been a teacup, you know,” whispered the antique as they took her into their hands. “There was a time when I was just a lump of clay.” “Oh, please tell us more,” urged the awestruck couple.
"As I said, I was once just a lump of red clay when my master took me and rolled me and repeatedly pounded and patted me. 'Don’t do that,' I yelled. 'I don’t like it!' But he only smiled and gently repeated, 'Not yet, not yet.'
Then, wham! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around. 'Stop it! I’m so dizzy, I’m going to be sick!' I screamed. But the master only nodded and muttered quietly, 'Not yet'.
He spun, poked and prodded and shaped me to suit himself and then put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!'

» Extended Article

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — On a recent chilly evening, more than 150 people gathered inside a fancy hotel ballroom to witness an uncommon 3,318-year-old tradition.

As all eyes watched, the white-bearded rabbi in the black robe and yarmulke bent over an animal hide parchment scroll. He dipped his turkey quill into black ink, lifted his unhelpful spectacles to his brow, and pressed the pen to parchment.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yossi and Miriam (nee Newman) Rapoport (Long Beach, CA) on the birth of their son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

NOVOSIBIRSK, Russia -– Headway is being made on the construction of a new Synagogue and Jewish Community Center in Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia. Information on Jewish life in the region reached tens of thousands of readers through an interview with Chief Rabbi of Novosibirsk Zalman Zaklas, published this week in the local issue of the popular Russian newspaper “Arguments and Facts”.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

All Anash and Bochurim are invited to a central farbrengen in honor of Yud Tes Kislev, Rosh Hashana L’Chassidus in the Kollel.

A special video presentation of the Rebbe will begin at 8:45 PM and the Farbrengen will begin at 9:15 PM and will be attended by Rabonim, Roshei Yeshivos Mashpiim and Shluchim from around the world.

Amongst those featured will be Rabbi Chaim Shaul Bruk, Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky, Rabbi Moshe Walberg and Rabbi Zev Katz.

There will also be a farbrengen at 9:00 PM in the shul Rayim Ahuvim, 1614 Carroll St [corner Schenectady Ave], with HaRav HaChossid Yosef Weinberg fundraiser for The Frierdiker Rebbe and The Rebbe.

This weeks Living Torah, titled “Chassidic Kabbalah” (Volume 42, Episode 168).

Living Torah is a member supported project Become a member today at LivingTorah.org

Available in Hebrew, French and Russian in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Mendy Junik (Antwerp, Belgium) and Rochele Gluwcowsky (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Sunday night at Chovevei Torah, 885 Eastern Parkway, [between Albany and Troy Ave].

MONTREAL, Canada — Some would call the way 10 Jewish men and women in Montreal push off their work days in order to learn a Jewish text for 45 minutes downright stubborn. But while these professionals admit that they're nothing if not persistent, they contend that their daily study of the Tanya, the bedrock text of Chabad Chasidic thought, is a necessity in a harried world.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Asher Mendel and Racheli (nee Lewis) Yemini (Shluchim to Los Angeles, CA) on the birth of their firstborn son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

Charged by the Rebbe to appoint a vaad for the implementation of the Hachlotois Hakinus, the vaad presents an overview of the Hachlotos implemented in the last 10 years.

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Chaim Yisroel (ben R Zushe) Wilhelm (Crown Heights) and Mussie (bas R Yossi) Gurary (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Motzoei Shabbos at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Wednesday night Reb Yosef Weinberg farbrengned with the congregation at Empire Shtible in honor of Yud Tes Kislev.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (28 pictures)

» Extended Article

BONDI, Australia [CHI] — As the first to open the Yud Tais Kislev celebrations around the globe, The Yeshiva Center, Headquarters of Chabad Lubavitch in N.S.W. Australia hosted over 300 Men, woman and children to a full course meal.

Morep pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

Leshana Tovah Belimud HaChasidus ve Darchei HaChasidus, Tikosaivu VeTichosaimu!

Tonight, Yud Tes Kislev “The Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism.” marks 208 years since the release of the Alter Rebbe, R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi founder of Chasidus Chabad in the year 5559 (1798). In honor of this auspicious day, which is referred to by Chasidim as the “Holiday of Holidays”, Farbrengens are being held around the world!

In the Extended Article you can view today’s Hayom Yom and the Minhagim of the day!

» Extended Article

NEWARK, NJ — In this season of political endorsements, none was more surprised than the 700 people attending Rabbinical College of America 50th anniversary dinner last month when Newark Mayor Cory Booker endorsed not only the mission of the 51-year-old school, but also the mission of Chabad-Lubavitch and Judaism itself.

» Extended Article

GAITHERSBURG, MD [CHI] — Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum became the first Chasidic Rabbi to be commissioned into the Maryland Defense Force last night in a ceremony that took place at Chabad of Upper Montgomery County in Gaithersburg.

» Extended Article

At 10 PM EST tonight a Shiur by Rabbi Yossi Jacobson will be broadcast live over the Internet, you can access the broadcast by Clicking Here or mms://213.8.136.62/COL.ORG.IL.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn — Michoel Muchnik's new gallery in the ground floor of his Brooklyn, N.Y., home resembles the interior of one of the Jerusalem stone houses from one of his many colorful landscape paintings. While the walls are at first close together, you descend a few stone steps and around a circular shape carved into the floor before entering the main gallery. Its rooms are small and intimate; the paintings compete for your attention.

» Extended Article

Please take a moment and say a Kapitel Tehillim for a Refuah Shlaima.

Dina Divosia Sarah bas Divorah, She had an operation and can not breath on her own yet.

Binyomin Rephael Menachem Mendel ben Tova Chana, He is having a surgery to try and restore his eye sight.

LOS ANGELES, CA [CHI] — International Chanukah Contest Kicks off “The Mendy Pellin Tour”

Hassidic Comic Mendy Pellin will be asking this question to countless people during his myLight Chanukah tour across California, finding out what Chanukah means to the man-on-the-street. Mendy will be driving an RV 'Mitzva Mobile' from one end of the golden state to the other, as part of the new AskMosesTV addition to the popular AskMoses.com website.

Video in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

MADISON, WI — Recently, a young UW student approached Chabad's Rabbi Mendel Matusof with a request for private study sessions. The student’s father had studied a book in college that “gave him enthusiasm for Judaism ever since,” and the student wanted to try it out.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

MISSISSAUGA, Canada — The Chabad Jewish Discovery Centre is welcoming all Mississauga residents to its Hanukkah celebration, as members of the Jewish community light the Menorah in the Civic Square on Dec. 4.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Shaya and Chaya Devorah Fogel (Lakewood, NJ) on the birth of their son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

NEW YORK, NY — When the six-hour-long grand banquet of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries drew to a close earlier this month, more than 100 black-hatted men spilled out of the hall at Manhattan's Pier 94 along the Hudson River to board a waiting coach bus. The group, which had attended the fete with 3,000 of their closest friends - fellow emissaries stationed all over the world - then headed to the historic Puck Building downtown near New York University.

» Extended Article

I would like to wish Mazal Tov to a friend Mendy Eber (Crown Heights) on his engagement Gila (bas R Asher) Hecht (Crown Heights) Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!

The L'Chaim will IYH be Sunday night at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

JERUSALEM, Israel — Dolphinarium, Sbarro’s, Jerusalem Bus 2 . . . To Israelis, these are euphemisms for terrorist attacks; to survivors, they represent the demarcation that tragically reframed their lives into a before-and-after.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yanky and Esther Rivkah Telsner (Crown Heights) on the birth of their son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

BROOKLYN, NY — The Chabad on Campus International Foundation is offering free menorahs to any Jewish student who wants one. In the pre-Chanukah initiative, the organization will provide a Chanukah kit complete with a menorah, candles and a booklet.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Dov and Chanie (nee Schoenes) Zeichner (Crown Heights) on the birth of their firstborn son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — With over 10,000 men and women across the globe partaking in JLI’s current course on Israel, titled The Land & The Spirit, JLI Central produces each week a brief, striking flash presentation depicting each “city of the week” being explored during the semester. This flash, shown at each JLI chapter at the conclusion of the lesson takes the student on a visual journey through the featured holy city of the week's lesson.

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Mendy and Dini (nee Benjaminson) Avtzon (Shluchim to Marina Bay, CA) on the birth of their firstborn baby girl.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

There is a silent killer among us.

It is silent because many of us do not even know it exists.

Some are ashamed to even discuss it.

Many believe that it could never happen to them.

I am not talking about cancer - that dreaded disease that has R”L stricken so many of our brethren, but am referring to the health insurance system that has left so many of us vulnerable and exposed to the worst nisyonos (tests) imaginable.

Continued in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

NEW YORK, NY — Despite a leadership style that has spared Mayor Bloomberg the scorn heaped on his predecessor for aggressive police tactics, the NYPD was hit with more allegations of wrongdoing in the last two years than at any time during the Rudy Giuliani years, a Post analysis has found.

“Giuliani had a reputation for being real hard, but the data belie that,” said Doug Muzzio, a political science professor at Baruch College. “The data seem to suggest that despite the conventional wisdom, Giuliani's cops were less complained about than Bloomberg's.”

» Extended Article

Baruch Shehecheyanu Vekimanu Vehigianu Liz’man Hazeh!

In what may be the most important development in chassidic publishing since the translation of the Tanya in the 1960s (and just in time for Yud-Tes Kislev), Purity Press has announced that the Alter Rebbe’s classics, Torah Or and Likkutei Torah—considered the “Oral Torah of Chassidus” (Tanya being the “Written Torah”)—have been adapted into readily accessible English for the first time since the maamarim they contain were originally delivered over 200 years ago. The first volume in the six-volume series, containing 12 fundamental maamarim (discourses)—one for each weekly Torah portion in the book of Bereishis—has just been released, with Hashem’s help. This is to be followed, G-d willing, throughout the year with volumes on Vayikra, Bamidbar, Devarim, Shmos, and the Jewish holidays.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Zevi Greenbaum (N Miami Beach, FL) and Nechama Dina Menkes (S Monica, CA) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

The Rebbe being handed a key to a city in the Year of 1977. Special Thanks Rabbi Mordechai Kirschenbaum. Click here to see previous weeks pictures.

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Shimon and Chaya Posner (Shluchim to Rancho Mirage, CA) on the birth of a son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] -– Sunday night, seven people were moderately injured, in a two car collision on Empire Blvd, off the intersection of Troy Ave.

More pictures in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Sholom and Avigayil (nee Greenbaum) Raskin (Crown Heights) on the birth of their baby girl.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

VOLGOGRAD, Russia -– Residents of Volgograd enjoyed a festive ceremony to mark the inauguration of the city's new Synagogue. Hosted by Chief Rabbi of Volgograd Zalman Yoffe and his wife Yael who serves as the community chairman, the event involved Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and Alexander Boroda, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, in addition to key patrons, lay leaders and members of the local Jewish community.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Moishe and Avralema Muchnik (Crown Heights) on the birth of their baby boy.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

CANCUN, Mexico — When Orlando businessman Eytan Tayer visits this glitzy Caribbean resort two or three times a year, he sometimes feels he has left his Judaism behind.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Nochum and Leah (nee Rothman) Kurinsky (Shluchim to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) on the birth of their daughter.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Today, Sunday there was a Siyum Sefer Torah at the Rimler home. The Sefer Torah which was written in honor of their parents, Reb Yechezkel and Mrs Esther Langsam OBM, was led in beautiful procession to Bais HaMedrash Eliyahu Nochum.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (88 pictures)

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Itzik Wolf (Chicago, IL) and Chana (bas R Yona) Avtzon (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be tonight, Sunday at Chovevei Torah, 885 Eastern Pkwy, [between Albany and Troy Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yudi and Rivky (nee Brikman) Steiner (Crown Heights) on the birth of their firstborn son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — On Nov. 16-17 the Teen Club at Lubavitch on the Palisades directed by Rabbi Chaim and his wife Yocheved Boyarsky organized a Shabbaton to NYC.

Some 40 high school teens stayed in a beautiful hotel in the heart of Manhattan, ate delicious food catered exclusively by Dorna’s and Deli Kasbah’s, prayed at the Carlebach Shul and the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. They got to meet 100 Jewish teens from Toronto, and were inspired by a wonderful speaker from Israel, Doron Kornbluth. Doron spoke about the importance of Jewish pride.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey motorists yakking on a hand-held cell phone or firing off text messages will soon run a greater risk of getting pulled over by a cop.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine on Friday signed legislation giving police more authority to target drivers using hand-held cell phones, and making it illegal to send text messages while driving distractions legislators contend make for risky driving.

» Extended Article

With sadness we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Bernice (Basya) bas Menachem Mendel Gordon OBM wife YB"L Mr. Arnold Gordon and mother of Robert Gordon, Harvey Gordon and Mrs. Yocheved Novack of Los Angeles, CA.

Services will be held at Mount Sinai - Hollywood Hills Sunday, 15 Kislev, 25 November 2:00 PM PST.

Shiva will be observed from Monday at 332 North Detroit Street.
Please no visits Tuesday or Thursday from noon to 5:00

Hamokom Yenachem Eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion VeYerushalayim.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — All the students of grades one through four with their fathers and zeidys packed the large hall last night for a unique Av Uben Melava Malka. CrownHeights.info was on hand to capture the moment.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (50 Pictures)

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY — A six-continent simultaneous Web-cast Thursday marked the completion of a cooperative global initiative to learn the entire Talmud within the first 30-day mourning period for Charlotte Rohr, the matriarch of the philanthropic Rohr family who passed away Oct. 22.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — This Sunday, November 25th, TesVov Kislev there will IYH be a Siyum and Hachnosas Sefer Torah at the Rimler home, 1323 Carroll St, [between Brooklyn and Kingston Ave], 2:30 PM.

More info in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY — On the morning in August 2005 when Sam Habib and Cindy Gluck opened their first Dunkin’ Donuts, they awoke at dawn to make sure that the glazed fritters and French crullers were out on the counter. Then Mr. Habib sneaked off to the neighboring mosque to pray, and Ms. Gluck, panicky about the prospects of their new venture, went to the back of the store to cry.

» Extended Article

COLLEGE PARK, MD — Most residences near campus are occupied by university students whose afternoon and nightly activities include studying for exams or partying- and either way, crawling into bed at 2 a.m. But for some city dwellers, the daily routines are a little different.

“From 4p.m. to 7p.m., from when my kids come home until they go to bed, it's family time,” said Nechama Backman, explaining her family's routines in their home on Hopkins Avenue.

» Extended Article

HALLANDALE, FL [CHI] — In what is traditionally North America's largest Annual Chanukah Festival, some 10,000 men, women, and children are expected at the 28th Annual South Florida Chassidic Chanukah Festival, organized and sponsored by Chabad of South Broward. The festival is set for Tuesday, December 11, at 7:00 P.M.

» Extended Article

Shmully Newman (Crown Heights) and Chana Krinsky (Crown Heights).
IYH at 935 Eastern Pkwy, [bet Albany and Troy Ave].

Menachem Sandman (New Haven, CT) and Chavie Freund (Crown Heights).
IYH at Chovevei Torah, 885 Eastern Pkwy, [bet Albany and Troy Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

NEW YORK, NY — Property owners are about to get a nasty New Year's surprise from the city - a water rate hike of up to 18 percent.

Acting at the behest of Environmental Protection Commissioner Emily Lloyd, a gloomy Water Board voted unanimously yesterday to set the process in motion that would hike rates by 12 to 18 percent on Jan. 1, the middle of the fiscal year.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yossi and Sterna (nee Gabay) Zwiebel (Crown Heights) on the birth of their baby daughter.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

LOS ANGELES, CA — Chabad-Lubavitch of California's Mobile Kitchen Program took over the Hard Rock CafÈ at Universal Studios Thursday afternoon so that 600 people who otherwise wouldn't have one could enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

» Extended Article

MONTREAL, Canada — Maccabees!, an interactive performance about Chanukah for children, which drew 15,000 when it premiered at the Jewish Children's Museum in Brooklyn, N.Y., last year is coming to Montreal.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — With gifts wrapped in Tinkerbell paper, an array of cakes and cookies, and lollipop centerpieces, it looked like a birthday party for a little princess.

It was that and much more. Yet this party didn't have pin the tail on the donkey or clowns or inflatable houses to bounce around in.

» Extended Article

Yissachar and Sara Lieb.
IYH at 734A Lefferts Ave, [bet Troy and Schenectady Ave].

Yisroel and Esty Simon
IYH at 456 Brooklyn Ave, Apt 3F, [bet Empire Blvd and Sterling Pl].

Yossi and Shleema (nee Estulin) Vogel.
IYH at Chovevei Torah, 885 Eastern Pkwy, [bet Albany and Troy Ave].

Peretz and Miryum (nee Langer) Motchkin (Shluchim to S Francisco, CA).

Aron and Miri (nee Yarmush) Kamman.
IYH at 83 Dana Crescent, Thornhill, ON, Canada.

Mendy and Ruth (nee Gilbert) Brackman (London, England)

Stay tuned as we update this list as information becomes available. However, in an unfortunate event that we do not get all the Sholom Zochors this week, we are sorry. But you can help! If you know of any Sholom Zochors or Mazal Tovs you can email it to us at MazalTov@CrownHeights.info! Thank You.

Friday, November 24th, is not a holiday, and alternate side parking regulations and all other parking regulations will be in effect.

Click here for the 2007 Alternate Side Parking Regulations Suspension Calendar and here for the 2008 Calendar.

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yaccov and Faigy (nee Mogilevsky) Vidal (Houston, TX) on the birth of their baby girl.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Yesterday, Wednesday the matza bakery began baking for Pesach. The bakery sells matzas to thousands of residents, and to insure there will be enough matza to go around, they start baking months in advance.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

QUEENS, NY [CHI] — This Motzei Shabbos there will be a rally at the ohel. Busses will be leaving from 770 at 6:30 PM and will return at 9:00 PM.

More information in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

The Rebbe says:

1. In this week’s Torah portion Hashem (G-d) tells Yakov Avinu (Jacob our Forefather) that his name would no longer be called “Yakov” (Jacob), it would now be called “Yisroel” (Israel) .

2. As the preface to a question, the Rebbe now quotes the Talmud which discusses this verse:

The Talmud tells us that whoever calls our Forefather Avraham “Avram” (which was his original name), transgresses the verse, “And your name shall no longer be called ‘Avram’; it shall henceforth be called ‘Avraham’”.

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — Here comes another hit from the International Moshiach Campaign! 'The Great Chanukah Challenge' is a beautiful live action game where your community can feel like they are super stars right at your Chanukah event!

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Shmully (ben R Leibel) Newman (Crown Heights) and Chana (bas R Hershel) Krinsky (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

This weeks Living Torah, titled “Wedding” (Volume 42, Episode 167).

Living Torah is a member supported project Become a member today at LivingTorah.org

Available in Hebrew, French and Russian in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

FT COLLINS, CO — When Rabbi Yerachmiel Gorelik first asked the city to include a menorah in its Old Town holiday display two years ago, he never imagined it would become such a to-do.

Gorelik's request sparked a debate in Fort Collins over appropriate holiday displays on and inside city buildings - a discussion that gained national attention in recent weeks and which the City Council voted on Tuesday night.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Dovid Minsky (Crown Heights) and Shternie Shildkraut (Chaifa, Israel) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

PORTLAND, OR — The recent death of Leah Raichik of Los Angeles has prompted two Portland, Ore., women, the rebbetzin's daughter and granddaughter, to reflect on the commonalities and differences three generations of women have experienced as Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries in a rapidly changing world.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Crown Heights Community Newspaper, Vaad HaKohol's new publication highlighting local organizations and events, is coming out this week with its third publication after being well-received in the last two weeks. Printed in 2,800 copies, the paper has been carrying articles about community mosdos and outstanding Chassidim and individuals.

“Our mission is to bring out the beauty of the Rebbe's neighborhood and the people that live here,” said Moshe Rubashkin, Chairman of Vaad HaKohol and the paper's publisher. “By being Mosif Ohr, the darkness will automatically fall away. We will focus on Achdus and respecting our Rabonim and elders.”

Click Here to read the newspaper in PDF format!

More in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

LITCHFIELD, CT — There's a long tradition in town of development plans being subjected to scrutiny from all sides and, in the process, engendering great debate. It happened when the first chain store, a Talbots, arrived on West Street, when it was time to renovate the Marcel Breuer-designed high school, when the town's first car wash was proposed and in countless other instances.

But after an initial burst of remarks about Chabad Lubavitch of Litchfield County's plans to renovate the old Wilderness Shop building on West Street (Route 202), a structure in the heart of the historic district, there has been more silence than commentary.

» Extended Article

Mendy Blesofsky (Crown Heights) and Aidella Avtzon (Crown Heights).
IYH at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

Moshe Sharabi (Israel/Inverary, FL) and Shani Garfinkel (Miami Beach, FL).
IYH be at the Jewish Learning Center, 411 West 41st St, Miami Beach, FL 33140.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

S. PETERSBURG, Russia -– This week in Russia's northern capital, hundreds of teenage students marked the International Day of Tolerance by visiting the Great Choral Synagogue. There, they had the opportunity to enjoy a tour, a lecture on Jewish culture and tradition, and a performance by a Cantor during which their jolly voices fell clearly silent.

To the visitors' surprise, not only were they given a warm welcome by the Jewish community of S. Petersburg – a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia – and its leadership, but so too did they have the opportunity to meet many of its members and speak to them face-to-face. Their visit also inspired tens of questions, to which they received answers and guidance by their hosts.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yossi and Shleema (nee Estulin) Vogel (Crown Heights) on the birth of their firstborn son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

NASHVILLE, TN — That two of the largest Jewish organizations in the world overlapped their annual conferences earlier this month was not by design. But increasingly, and to the benefit of Jewish communities wherever the two cooperate, United Jewish Communities (Federations of North America) and Chabad-Lubavitch are crossing paths and discovering the strength that comes in working together.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yisroel Slavticki (Antwerp, Belgium) and Fruma Chazan (Manchester, UK) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim is IYH tonight Wednesday at 734 Empire Blvd, [between Albany and Troy Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

QUEENS, NY [CHI] — In honor of Yud Kislev, the day the Mitteler Rebbe was released from prison, the boys of Cheder Tzeirei HaShluchim at the ohel, amazingly captured the story of the Mitteler Rebbe’s arrest in a play.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

Confronting Chutzpah with Chutzpah.
Well, the neighborhood bully, he's just one man,
His enemies' say he's on their land.
They got him outnumbered about a million to one,
He got no place to escape to, no place to run.
He's the neighborhood bully.
The neighborhood bully just lives to survive,
He's criticized and condemned for being alive.
He's not supposed to fight back, he's supposed to have thick skin,
He's supposed to lay down and die when his door is kicked in.
He's. . .
The neighborhood bully been driven out of every land,
He's wandered the earth an exiled man.
Seen his family scattered, his people hounded and torn,
He's always on trial for just being born.

» Extended Article

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Senate commemorated Soviet Jews' struggle for freedom.

Amid concerns of rising violence against Jews in the former Soviet Union, the Senate last Friday passed a resolution commemorating the 40-year fight for freedom.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Menachem Sandman (New Haven, CT) and Chavie Freund (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

MILFORD, CT — With a nickname like “Bagel Beach,” it's easy to picture Woodmont's typical vacationer. Since the early 1900s, this borough of Milford, Conn., has been the summer escape for hordes of Jewish New Yorkers. And since 1925, they've been joining the locals for services at The Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont.

» Extended Article

More background information on the picture in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Aron Adelist (Melbourne, Australia) and Shterna Shusterman (Melbourne, Australia) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

NEW YORK, NY — Gov. Eliot Spitzer abruptly announced yesterday that he was shelving a plan to raise the base subway fare, saying that an unexpected increase in ridership and other revenues have made it unnecessary.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Friday, November 16, 2007, Bill Thompson, New York City Comptroller joined the NCFJE staff and Uncle Joe of North Star Contracting, giving out Turkeys to members of the Hasidic and Black community of Crown Heights.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

I would like to wish Mazal Tov! to a good friend Yossi Solomon (Sydney, Australia) on his engagement to Fraida Myer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

The L'Chaim will IYH be tonight, Wednesday at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

SACRAMENTO, CA — Since 1993, the Governor of California has joined Chabad representatives at Chanukah to offer holiday greetings and illuminate the Capitol Menorah in Sacramento. But this year’s event is unique. Both Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight will participate in “Chanukah Live!” — the first-ever national TV broadcast of Chabad of California’s annual holiday celebration.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — In two separate events, Friendship Circle of Crown Heights hosted volunteer training sessions for the girls’ and boys’ divisions, preparing the young volunteers for working with children with special needs.

» Extended Article

BINGHAMTON, NY — This week, Nechamie Silberberg, Chabad-Lubavitch representative at the University of Western Ontario will be serving somewhere between 175 to 250 ravenous college students. Down south at Emory University, Miriam Lipskier is prepping Shabbat dinner for the usual 130 guests. Rivkah Slonim of SUNY Binghamton’s will set Shabbat tables for hundreds, too. Chana Sara Danow at Leeds University in England just started; her “small crowd” is 37 guests this Friday night.

» Extended Article

QUEENS, NY — In honor of Tes Kislev, Cheder Tzeirei Hashluchim at the ohel had an inspiring farbrengen. Rabbi Ben-Amu from Miami, Florida spoke to the talmidim about the years a bochur spends in a cheder, which he described as “the most precious years”.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — With over 10,000 men and women across the globe partaking in JLI’s current course on Israel, titled The Land & The Spirit, JLI Central produces each week a brief, striking flash presentation depicting each “city of the week” being explored during the semester.

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — The Chinuch Yaldei Hashluchim Hebrew Division website, operated by The Shluchim Office and geared towards the Hebrew-speaking children of Shluchim around the world, has embarked upon a preparation campaign for the Chag HaGeula on the 19th of Kislev.

» Extended Article

BRADENTON, FL — Rabbi Mendy Bukiet has spent all of his 30 years helping Jews. That's what his father and grandfather, who were also rabbis, taught him.

Whether that entails going to their hospital bedsides or providing food to the needy or strengthening their spirits through the religion, that has been Mendy's mission.

» Extended Article

The Rebbe is coming out from the back of his house to go to the car. In the later years, the Rebbe's secretaries who would drive the Rebbe, would drive the car into the driveway till the back of the house and the Rebbe would come out from the back of the house and get into the car.

Special Thanks Rabbi Mordechai Kirschenbaum. Click here to see previous weeks pictures.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Hundereds of people took part this Tuesday morning in a very special Bris Milah ceremony, that of the son of Reb Menachem Mendel and his wife Genia Morozow. The couple wed on the 10th of Adar 5744 (1983), and were not blessed with a child until 8 days ago, as we reported.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (Photos by: Eli Kahan)

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — The annual Soul II Soul Concert, by now a greatly anticipated local tradition, will feature Avraham Fried accompanied by the Neshoma Orchestra under the musical direction of Simcha (Steve) Bill and featuring Yaron Gershovsky. This year as in past years, the show promises to have many magical moments and uplifting heart-warming features that are sure to keep the audience entertained and inspired.

The concert will be held on Motzoei Shabbos Gimmel Adar I 5768 / February 9th, 2008 at the Brooklyn School of Music in Crown Heights. Tickets will be going on sale on Chof Daled Teves/January 2.

More in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Menachem Mendel (ben R Aaron) Blesofsky (Crown Heights) and Aidella (bas R Yosef Y) Avtzon (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Thursday at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!

LONDON, England [CHI] — Plans were unveiled today for the new Yeshiva and Community Center in North West London. The impressive plans were on public display for members of Anash and beyond in order for all to view the plans and express their views and ideas.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Moshe Sharabi (Israel/Inverary, FL) and Shani Garfinkel (Miami Beach, FL) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Thursday at the Jewish Learning Center, 411 West 41st St, Miami Beach, FL 33140.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] – This afternoon, at around 2:30 on the corner of Albany and President, two Black youths mugged a Jewish woman. The youths, approached the woman, hit her then knocked her to the ground and ran off with her purse. Two alert Bochurim managed to apprehend one of the youths and returned the stolen purse.

More in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

HEBRON, Israel — Stroking the stone archway, Eliyahu Eidenov's face glows with satisfaction. “I did this all myself,” says the stonemason, pointing at the ceiling and walls that he personally designed.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yosef and Chaya Rivka (nee Steinhauser) Levine (Teaneck, NJ) on the birth of a baby girl!

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

The recent death of Rebbetzin Lea Raichik of Los Angeles, has prompted two Portland women—Raichik’s daughter and granddaughter—to reflect on the commonalities and differences three generations of women have experienced as Chabad emissaries in a rapidly changing world.

Devora Wilhelm and her daughter Simi Mishulovin now pursue the same goal of reaching out to and enhancing the Jewish community in the Portland area as Raichik did for nearly 59 years in Los Angeles.

» Extended Article

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — Sunday, November 18, 2007 NCFJE celebrated its 67th Annual Awards Dinner at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

The guests of honor were Michelle and Bruce Tuchman, Nachama Dina and Shmuel Raskin, and Sara and Adam Wartski. Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang was given the Crown Heights Community Award, for his work on behalf of the Crown Heights community. Boxing Champion Dmitry Salita, was awarded with the Jewish Sports Champion Award, recognizing his contributions toward Jewish professional sports. Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson was awarded the Man of the Year award.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

The city Buildings Department has spent years trying to clean up its image - and now it's sending its inspectors onto the streets in spiffy new uniforms costing a total of $385,000.

“It's really all about integrity, showing the world that these guys are out there and watching,” said Robert LiMandri, the department's first deputy commissioner.

“With any uniform comes a level of respect. We wanted to make sure that people know that we've answered a complaint and showed up on a job site,” LiMandri said.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Avremi Yarmush (Crown Heights) and Nissa Bracha Gilbert-McNabb (Los Angeles, CA) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be tonight, Monday at 799 Montgomery St, [between Montgomery and Troy Ave].

WESTMOUNT, Canada — The giving season came early to the Montreal Children’s Hospital last Tuesday, when Chabad Westmount’s youth group, J-teens, arrived bearing toy donations for the young patients.

Director of J-teens, Rabbi Asher Hecht, said the youth program teaches youngsters to give back to their community, and instill in them a lifelong habit of giving.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yosef Shishler (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Tarryn Kaplan (Johannesburg, South Africa) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — World’s Greatest Department Store to Host Workshop Wonderland Celebrating World’s Greatest Miracle.

Kids Join Judah the Maccabee on the Macy’s Kids Floor for a Hands-On Olive-Press Workshop and Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Kids make Chanukah “Jewelites,” and receive their own Chanukah Gifts.

» Extended Article

JERUSALEM, Israel — Some 230 Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries in Israel, backed up by an army of yeshiva students, will be taking the light and message of Chanukah directly to the public with a host of menorah lightings, celebrations and special visits to Israel Defense Force bases. In addition, Chabad Houses are stockpiling thousands of menorah kits and pamphlets to distribute to anyone who requests them.

» Extended Article

The Rebbe going into 770 to Daven Mussof on Rosh Chodesh 1989. Special Thanks Rabbi Mordechai Kirschenbaum. Click here to see previous weeks pictures.

KOSTROMA, Russia –- The Jewish community of Kostroma is currently holding an autumn camp for its youngsters, Led by Sara Feiman, this series of activities will keep the children busy throughout the entirety of their school holiday, which has just gotten underway.

» Extended Article

Menachem Lipskier (Crown Heights) and Miri Carlebach (Crown Heights),
IYH at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

Sholom Ber Kesselman (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Leah Labkowski (Los Angeles, CA)
IYH at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

Yarden Blumstein (Far Rockaway, NY) and Baila Lax (Houston, TX).
IYH at Chovevei Torah, 885 Eastern Pkwy, [bet Albany and Troy Ave]

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

HONOLULU, HI — Rivky Krasnjansky of Honolulu and Avremel Chazanow of Brooklyn, N.Y., believe that God will be a third partner in their marriage.

Their Wednesday wedding will be an affirmation of faith for the pair, members of the Chabad Lubavitch movement of Orthodox Judaism, which teaches strict adherence to laws laid out more than 3,000 years ago.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Peretz and Miryum (nee Langer) Motchkin (Shluchim to S Francisco, CA) on the birth of their son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

FORT MYERS, FL [CHI] — Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida under the directorship of Shluchim Rabbi Yitzchok and Nechamie Minkowicz hosted another successful JBN – Jewish Business Networking event.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

Yanky Majesky (Crown Heights) and Chanchi Dubov (Orlando, FL).
IYH at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

Mordechai Kustiner (Evanston, IL) and Devorah Cadaner (Jerusalem)
IYH at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

BERKELEY, CA — Friday night: A time for family, a time for unity, a time for food, a time for 50 people to cram into a one-bedroom apartment … at least for Rabbi Gil and Bracha Sara Leeds of the Chabad Jewish Student Center at the University of California at Berkeley.

» Extended Article

After reading the article on this site, in which a Jew was targeted with Naziesque slurs, I was reminded of a similar one, in which I witnessed a group of bochurim on Tahalucha who were shouted at with the similar chants of “Heil Hitler!”

Surprisingly, I was perplexed and shocked more than I was angry. Had the youth been neo-Nazis, Germans, skinheads, or the like, I would have been predictably upset that such illegal hate, racism and anti-Semitism occurred. What perplexed me was the fact that the perpetrators in this instance were fellow victims of Hitler and the Nazi regime. It had may as well be a Reform Jew shouting “Heil Hitler” an Orthodox Jew – something which would never occur, as both Reform and Orthodox Jews were victims of Hitler and the Nazis.

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY — Mohamed Karmoune, the Moroccan consul in New York, visited the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, N.Y., this week to pay his respects to the family of Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, who passed away during the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries. In the visit, the diplomat gave credit to Chabad-Lubavitch as a major contributor to the country's educational system and the maintaining of Jewish life in North Africa.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Sholom Ber Kesselman (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Leah Labkowski (Los Angeles, CA) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

CHICAGO, IL — A Jewish passenger on a South Shore commuter train prompted a bomb scare on Wednesday when the traditional prayer box worn on his forehead was mistaken for an explosive device.

» Extended Article

From the Newsday.

FT COLLINS, CO — The owner of Old Town Square decided Thursday to keep its current holiday display policy of allowing only secular symbols on the plaza - at least until next year.

“All our agreements for the holidays are in place for this year, and (the board is) not going to consider the issue until next year,” said Chip Steiner, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yisroel (ben R Yitzchak) Yarmush (Montreal, Canada) and Batsheva Tobin (Montreal, Canada) on their engagement.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

A cow once stumbled upon a wounded bird lying on the ground in pain and discomfort. Doing what cows do best, the bird was left covered in a heap of manure. Suddenly she felt warm and cozy. So happy was the bird with her newfound comfort, she began to sing.

Drawn by the sweet sounds, a farmer working in a nearby field made his way to the singing bird. The farmer was dismayed to find the poor bird lying on the ground submerged in dung.

The farmer immediately removed the bird from her wretched surroundings. Painstakingly he cleaned the bird and carefully placed her down. To his great surprise the little bird would no longer sing, in fact, she was noticeably withdrawn.

Realizing that he had upset the bird by removing her from her comfortable and cozy surroundings, the kind farmer looked at the bird and said: “Little bird, little bird, let me teach you some very important lessons in life:

First of all: Not everyone that makes you feel comfortable is necessarily your friend. Secondly: Not everyone that makes you feel uncomfortable is necessarily your enemy. Finally, Dear Birdie: When you are wallowing in manure, it is not the time to sing.”

» Extended Article

Shmuli and Michla (nee Posner) Pinson.
IYH at 706 Eastern Pkwy, Apt 2H, [bet Brooklyn and Kingston Ave].

Mendel and Genia Morozow.
IYH at Oholei Torah Mesivta, 417 Troy Ave, [bet Montgomery and Empire Blvd].

Shaul and Tovah (nee Lipkind) Sacho.
IYH at 1703 President St, [bet Utica and Rochester Ave].

Sruli and Tova (nee Bernbaum) Leider.
IYH at 701 Empire Blvd, Apt 6F, [bet Albany and Troy Ave].

Yudi and Brocha Werner.
IYH at 456 Montgomery St, 2nd Flr [bet Nostrand and New York Ave].

Tzvi and Sheva (nee Frank) Tauby.
IYH at 799 E 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11230.

Levi and Chanie Fogelman.
IYH at 168 Boden Ln, Natick, MA 01760.

Adam and Rivki Levine.
IYH at 8 Richmond Ave, Apt 1R Worcester, MA 01602.

Mendel and Dobi Greisman.
IYH at 5402 W Redbud St, Rogers, AR 72758.

Dovid and Laya Lisbon (Shluchim to Redondo Beach, CA)
1929 Voorhees Ave, Apt B, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

David and Chana Azoulay.
IYH at 6941 Rue Lemieux, Montreal, QC H3W, Canada.

Shneur Zalmen and Shoshana Lesches.
IYH at 5210 Avenue Bourret, Montreal, QC H3W, Canada.

Stay tuned as we update this list as information becomes available. However, in an unfortunate event that we do not get all the Sholom Zochors this week, we are sorry. But you can help! If you know of any Sholom Zochors or Mazal Tovs you can email it to us at MazalTov@CrownHeights.info! Thank You.

We would like to wish Mazal tov to Eliezer and Chanie Zaklikovsky (Shluchim to Monroe Township, NJ) on the birth of their daughter.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

READING, PA — When Jewish substance abusers in recovery receive permission to light up, it’s usually a cigarette – one of the few vices allowed in treatment centers – they think of.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Menachem (ben R Shmuel) Lipskier (Crown Heights) and Miri Carlebach (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Sunday at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

NASHVILLE, TN — When Nechama Rothstein arrived as a new Chabad-Lubavitch emissary to Nashville, Tenn., last week, her husband, Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein, soon left for New York to attend the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries. In typical fashion, she saw his absence for the first Shabbat as an opportunity to reach out to local college students: Instead of preparing for a quiet family affair with her 10-month-old Mendel, she had another idea.

» Extended Article

RUNNING SPRINGS, CA — As the cooler temperatures of late November arrive, Chabad’s magnificent mountaintop campus will welcome people from all over the West Coast as they converge on Running Springs to participate in the West Coast Chabad Jewish Retreat.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Tzvi and Sheva (nee Frank) Tauby (Crown Heights) on the birth of their son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Shomrim at their weekly Shiur at Aliyah.

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — Rofeh Cholim Cancer Society (known as RCCS) is operating in the community of Crown Heights and provides for a litany of needs for cancer patients. Unfortunately, in the last couple of months, Crown Heights has seen a dramatic increase of cancer cases.

RCCS, a Brooklyn based not-for-profit organization, helps cancer patients pay for medical insurance and provides research for treatments. It was founded after requests were made in the community for such an organization.

» Extended Article

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — One of the high points in each years banquet is the roll-call, where the Vice Chairman of Merkos Linyonei Chinuch Reb Moshe Kotlarsky announces all the states and countries which Chabad currently has Shluchim. The roll-call is very enjoyable for you can see Chabad reach around the world!

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yanky (ben R Chaim) Majesky (Crown Heights) and Chanchi Dubov (Orlando, FL) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Motzoei Shabbos at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Two more footballers have pleaded guilty to verbally assaulting Menachem Vorchheimer as he walked home from synagogue in October last year.

After a number of lengthy adjournments, James Dalton and Matthew Cuthbert appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday morning to answer a range of charges. They will return to court for sentencing on Thursday.

» Extended Article

The Rebbe says:

1. This week’s Torah portion begins with saying, “And Yakov (Jacob) left Be’er Sheva and went to Charan” .

To be sure, this verse is actually repeating something we already knew from the end of last week’s Torah portion .

2. The Rebbe points out that the Torah must be teaching us something by telling us this twice:

In the Torah everything is exact. In fact, our Sages learn out many Halachas (Laws) from one extra letter in the Torah. Therefore, if the Torah repeats this story twice, it must be teaching us something that we can implement into our daily life. Let us find out what the Torah is teaching us:

» Extended Article

This weeks Living Torah, titled “Anatomy of a Miracle” (Volume 42, Episode 166).

Living Torah is a member supported project Become a member today at LivingTorah.org

Available in Hebrew, French and Russian in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

Tonight, Thursday November 15, at 7:30pm, there is a Police Council Meeting which is held once a month and is open to all residents to come and voice any concern or complaint they you may have to Deputy Inspector Frank Vega.

The meeting takes place in the IS 61/MS 61 (the public school) which is located on Empire and New York (diagonally across from the police station).

Make your voice heard, attend the meeting!

NEW YORK, NY — “My rabbi is magic,” exclaimed Wirley Weiler at the lay leadership portion of the International Conference for Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries on Sunday.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yechiel and Chana Golda (nee Minkoff) Nadler (Crown Heights) on the birth of their firstborn daughter.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

NEW YORK, NY — There is an old joke that Orthodox Jews tell: “What is the closest religion to Judaism?” Chabad-Lubavitch is the punchline. Everyone “gets it.” Everyone thinks they know about Chabad’s messianism, that a few Chabadniks believe that the rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who died in 1994, is still alive.

In fairness, the rebbe’s messianism or divinity is not advocated in any of Chabad’s official literature; it’s even reprimanded. But fairness has nothing to do with it.

» Extended Article

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — Shliach Rabbi Nechemia Vogel, London-born and founder of the Chabad House in Rochester, NY giviing his his keynote address.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The largest Hanukkah dreidel in the world stands 18-feet tall in front of the Chabad Jewish Center in Basking Ridge, generating stares and smiles from passers-by.

The dreidel has become a local landmark during the holiday season, rising over the busy intersection of Valley Road and King George Road.

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Join all of N’shei U’Bnos Yisroel worldwide as we launch Project CHAI, a project of increasing in the areas of Torah, Tefillah, and Tzedakah with the goal of bringing a speedy recovery to the Cholim in our communities and worldwide.

Project CHAI will be launched on Rosh Chodesh Kislev and will conclude on Yud-Tes Kislev. Let us unite for 18 days of action to bring healing, good health, and Geulah during this auspicious time for Refuah and Geulah.

Flyer and more info in the Extended Article

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY — To many followers, admirers and historians, much of the life of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, of righteous memory, prior to his arrival in the United States in 1940 is a mystery. In a new documentary DVD featuring interviews and documents that cover the years 1938-1940, however, some details of this previously unexplored Paris chapter of the Rebbe's early years are brought to light.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] – A Bochur was accosted while walking on New York Avenue between Carroll and President Streets yesterday, Tuesday, at around 4:00 PM, by a group of what appeared to be Black teens, who hurled anti-Semitic slurs and profanities at him. The group was composed of around 10 youths all of whom appeared to be on their way home from school.

When the Bochur passed the group, they began to shout “Heil Hitler” and “Run away Jew, Hitler’s coming to kill you all”, along with other profanities. The Bochur crossed the street, approached the youths and asked them if they were aware “that Hitler killed 6 million Jews.” Seeing that the youths appeared shocked, the Bochur continued, “did you know that he hated and killed Blacks just the same?”

More in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

I would like to wish a very hearty Mazal Tov! To a friend Yarden Blumstein (Far Rockaway, NY) on his engagement to Baila Lax (Houston, TX)!

The L'Chaim will IYH be Sunday at Chovevei Torah 885 Eastern Parkway [between Albany and Troy Ave].

NEW YORK, NY [JTA] — Speaking in Hebrew before some 4,500 Chabad rabbis and their supporters in New York Sunday evening, Leviev, a Chabad benefactor, celebrated the shluchim, or emissaries, who he said work “behind enemy lines” building Jewish communities in the farthest reaches of the globe. The six-day conference concluded Monday.

» Extended Article

I would like to wish a BIG hearty Mazal Tov! to Shmuli and Michla (nee Posner) Pinson (Crown Heights) on the birth of their son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

TZFAS, Israel [CHI] — A Rosh Chodesh Kislev Farbrengen took place in Yeshivas Tzeirei Hashluchim, Tzfas, and was addressed by Rabbi Chaim Kaplan, Head Shliach of Tzfas and Rabbi M. Schurder, Mashpia of Shiur Bais.

We all know more or less why we celebrate Rosh Chodesh Kislev, however Rabbi Kaplan explained to the Bochurim a practical way of how to celebrate it in our day to day lives. The main Yom Tov is that the Rebbe finally went home from 770.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

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We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Dudi Abergel (Kfar Chabad, Isreal) and Chana Mushka (bas R Moshe Nissen) Wolvovsky (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be tonight, Tuesday at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

From yesterdays NY Daily News.

NEW YORK, NY — No wonder straphangers feel like they can't get a break.

The MTA says its proposed fare and toll hikes are the equivalent of modest cost-of-living increases.

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It's not every day a rising basketball phenom hands back a full scholarship to one of the top college teams in the nation.

For Tamir Goodman, the decision came without hesitation.

At a Jewish Shabbat dinner held on campus last Friday, Goodman spoke to students of the inseparable roles basketball and religion have played in his life.

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The Rebbe addresses the children at the Lag BaOmer Parade 1957, Special Thanks Rabbi Mordechai Kirschenbaum. Click here to see previous weeks pictures.

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — This is the fourth gallery from the Kinus HaShluchim Banquet.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (52 Pictures)

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Mendel and Genia Morozow (Crown Heights) on the birth of their firstborn son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Close to 500 children of Shluchim who arrived in Crown Heights for the Kinus Hashluchim, took part in the special banquet arranged for them in the Beis Rivkah Campus Chomesh ballroom.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (Photos by: Eli Kahan)

» Extended Article

Sunday night, at the banquet of the Kinus Hashluchim, JEM premiered its latest release titled: Seeds - Chabad Lubavitch Shluchim inspire, one by one., the DVD is the latest in the popular Kinus Hashluchim series.

The DVD focuses on the importance the Rebbe, placed on every single individual.

More in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

The New York State Public Service Commission ordered Consolidated Edison today to return $18 million to its customers for failing to provide safe and reliable service in 2006, a year that included a nine-day blackout that began in Long Island City, Queens, and affected 170,000 people. The highly critical decision could affect Con Edison’s request for a substantial increase in electric rates.

“One of the commission’s foremost areas of concern is to ensure that electric distribution systems are safe and reliable,” said the commission’s chairwoman, Patricia L. Acampora. “Con Edison did not meet four targets for systemwide reliability in 2006. As a result of the utility’s failure to meet these important targets, shareholders are directed to provide a credit to ratepayers. Hopefully, this sends a message to Con Edison that they must be diligent in efforts to maintain a reliable network, or they will face financial consequences.”

» Extended Article

LAURELTON, Queens [CHI] — While the convention was underway, one stop a Shliach did not forget was the Cheder Tzeirei Hashluchim at the Ohel, where Rabbi Shimon Freundlich, Shliach in Beijing, China came and Farbrenged with the children in honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — This is the third gallery from the Kinus HaShluchim Banquet. In this gallery the Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky makes the popular Roll-Call, where he announces countries and states, and their representatives stand up in acknowledgment. Its during this announcement where Rabbi Kotlarsky announces the seven new shluchim.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (75 Pictures)

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY — Rabbi Shlomo Matusof, who was one of the leaders of the Chabad-Lubavitch educational activities in Morocco for close to 50 years, died Saturday night in New York. He was 91.

The news came as a shock to the thousands of Lubavitch emissaries who had gathered in New York for their annual international conference.

» Extended Article

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — This is the second gallery from the Kinus HaShluchim at pier 94. In this gallery the banquet begins, with the nearly 500 kids from the 'Yaldei HaShluchim' camp marching in singing with the band. Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky then welcomed everybody to the banquet and asked Rabbi Halperin and Rabbi Begun to say the kaptilach of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (55 Pictures)

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Shaul and Tovah (nee Lipkind) Sacho (Crown Heights) on the birth of their baby boy.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Ticket blitzing in Crown Heights isn’t unfamiliar, though this time it’s the timing that has resident up in arms.

With the International Conference of Shluchim underway in Crown Heights, police have added lots of extra patrols, both by foot and by car, with the addition of car 1733, also known as the ticket car.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Sruli and Tova (nee Bernbaum) Leider (Crown Heights) on the birth of their son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — This is the first gallery from the Kinus HaShluchim at pier 94, (just yards away from where the Frierdiker Rebbe first stepped into the United States). In this gallery you will see some last last minute preparation and as the hall started to fill up. More to come. ENJOY!

More pictures in the Extended Article! (57 pictures)

» Extended Article

I would like to wish a very hearty Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov! to a good friend Shmuli and his wife Chanie (nee Lasker) Turk (Crown Heights) on the birth of their first born baby girl!

May the newborn be an endless source of Nachas to her parents, grand parents and Klal Yisroel!

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Anash, Shluchim and Bochurim packed in to downstairs 770 to partake in the annual Chodesh Kislev Farbrengen which is arranged by Reb Meir Harlig.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — From the pinnacle of the Kinus, the Banquet on Pier 94 in Manhattan, Shluchim made their way back to Crown Heights, to 770 where Shluchim and Bochurim gathered in the big Zal upstairs and Farbrenged well into the night.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal tov to Eli and Zeldi {nee Hazan} Fradkin {S Diego, CA} on the birth of their firstborn daughter.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

Alternate side parking regulations will be suspended Today, Monday, November 12 for holiday observance. All other regulations, including parking meters, remain in effect.

Click here for the 2007 Alternate Side Parking Regulations Suspension Calendar.

Friday was Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrating the triumph of good, represented by Lord Rama, over the forces of evil. It is a holiday that thrills some of my friends. Not that they are Hindus themselves.

The three-day Islamic feasts of Id al-Fitr and Id al-Adha thrill them, too. They aren’t Muslims, either.

They are, in the main, Christians and Jews. Most of them are not the sort to be found in church or synagogue every Sunday or Saturday morning. But they derive enormous satisfaction from holy days like the Feast of the Assumption or from a days-long Jewish festival like Passover.

» Extended Article

Akiva Danzinger (Toronto, Ontario) and Ruti York (Ottawa, Ontario).
IYH at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — Live from the Banquet — One of the high points in each years banquet is the roll-call which the Vice Chairman of Merkos Linyonei Chinuch Reb Moshe Kotlarsky announces all the states and countries which Chabad currently has Shluchim.

» Extended Article

As in years past, the Vaad HaKinus will be making a live feed of the banquet available here online. Starting at 6 PM. This enables those who are not able to make it in person to still be able to participate in this monumental event.

Click Here for Gallery #1
Click Here for Gallery #2
Click Here for Gallery #3
Click Here for Gallery #4

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More pictures in the Extended Article!

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The following is the complete speech the Dr. Ira Weiss gave to the Shluchim on Motzoai Shabbos. Video taken by Mendy Lewis.

Before the main session of the Kinus, the thousands of Shluchim sat down in the ballroom of Oholei Torah for a Seudas Melava Malka. The evening was opened by Reb Yoel Kahan with a Dvar Malchus followed by a speech from R. Dovid Raskin. The event was emceed by R. Naftali Rot.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (Pictures by Meir Dahan)

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Mendy Ezagui (Montreal, Canada) and Mayta Malamed (Pittsburgh, PA) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim wil IYH be at FREE, 1383 President [between Kingston and Brooklyn Ave].

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] – A weekend packed with special programs and entertainment went by for the ‘Young Shluchim’ who came to New York with their fathers who are attending the International Conference of Shluchim. The young Shluchim are attending a camp with over 500 campers.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (Photos by: Eli Kahan)

» Extended Article

Amidst the International Kinus Hashluchim we received the sad news of the passing of Reb Shlomo Matusof OBM, who merited to be the Rebbes first Shliach in the year 5710 (1949). Reb Shlomo, 91, was born on Yom Kippur 5677 (1916) to his father HaChosid Reb Yitzchok Izik Matusof A”H. He was sent by the Rebbe to Casablanca, Morocco where he established the Mosdos of “Oholei Yosef Yitzchok Lubavitch”, a network which included 70 branches of Talmudai Torah throughout Morocco, who’s graduates count the chief rabbi of israel Rabbi Shlomo Amar among them. In recent years he lived in Crown Heights with his wife.

He leaves behind his was Mrs. Pessia and children, R. Yosef Yitzchok, Shliach in Toulouse, France, R. Yehuda Leib, Shliach in Cannes, France, R. Eliyahu, a staff member of ‘Otzar Hachasidim’, R. Yona, Shliach in Madison, Wisconsin, R. Reuven Reuven, Shliach in the Lishka Paris, France, R. Shmariyahu, Mrs. Baila Palatinski, New Jersey, R. Menachem Mendel, Shliach to Alberta, Canada and Mrs. Aidaleh Nemenov, Crown Heights.

The Levaya will take place Tomorrow, Sunday and will be leaving the Shomrei Hadaas Chaple at around 10:15 and will be passing by 770 at around 11:00pm.

Baruch Dayan Hoemes

The huge Zal of Oholei Torah was packed on Motzoai Shabbos with thousands of Shluchim attending the main session of the Kinus Hashluchim that followed the Melave Malka.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY — The Tzirei Hashluchim camp opened up thursday with a smashing start as over 130 campers from all over the world embarked from Crown Heights this morning and went to “Top of the Rock” which is a 70 floor high observatory tower located in mid Manhattan.

More in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

All items in the sale $5 or less, discounted up to 90%

These are good, undamaged, products. If you remember the rush to the Kehot store last time we ran this sale, you won't want to miss this chance!

Tonight, Motzoai Shabbos, till 12:00am

Tomorrow, Sunday 9:00am – 9:00pm

Cash and carry only. First come first serve.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — a number of weeks ago Shliach to Oslo, Norway R. Shaul Wilhelm suffered a terrible illness which put his life at great risk. This past Thursday his family and friends, Shluchim from around the world, gathered in the ballroom of Lubavitcher Yeshiva and celebrated his miraculous recovery!

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

QUEENS, NY — Friday morning thousands of shluchim went to the Ohel to read the general Pidyon Nefesh. They davened Shachris in the many minyonim scattered all over.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (by Y. Blinko - Shturem)

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — A new billboard was installed today, a few hours before Shabbos on Kingston and Crown, this billboard simply says ‘share the light’ with a screen underneath which welcomed the Shluchim to Crown Heights and told passerby’s what time Shabbos is coming in today.

Reb Arkeh and Guggie Tzivin contributed the wall of their store, House of Glatt, and home for the placement of the new billboard.

FridayLight is a project of Chabad of California directed by Rabbi Ari Baitelman. The sign was generously donated by an anonymous donor and was dedicated in memory of Mrs. Pesya Leah bas Shraga Feivel Lapine HY”D.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

Yehuda L Heber (Crown Heights) and Dassy Butman (Crown Heights).
IYH at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

Tzvi Bass (Kriyat Malachi, Israel) and Shaindy Klein (Postville, IA).
IYH at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit your Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — CrownHeights.info has learned that Bochrim who are involved in Merkos projects will be allowed to attend the banquet of the Kinus HaShluchim.

Meaning; the Bochrim who went on Merkos Shlichus, teach in the MyShliach.com or Jnet.org programs could pick up their passes to the banquet on Sunday morning between 10:30 and 11:30 AM on the first floor of the Merkos offices at 788 Eastern Pkwy.

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Agudas Chassidei Chabad, the umbrella organization of the international Chabad-Lubavitch movement, today, Friday, announced plans to re-open the Lubavitch Yeshiva in Rostov, Russia.

The announcement was made following an extraordinary meeting today of its executive committee, which invited Rabbi Yosef Aronov, chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad in Israel and head of the yeshiva, and Rabbi Berel Lazar, head Lubavitch emissary in the former Soviet Union and Russia's chief rabbi.

More pictures in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

STROUDSBURG, PA — For at least the past decade, demographers across the nation have been chronicling a new form of suburban flight: the booming relocation of city-dwellers and suburbanites to the exurbs, the furthest extremes of the population bands surrounding major metropolises.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Akiva Danzinger (Toronto, Ontario) and Ruti York (Ottawa, Ontario) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Monday night at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit your Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Two alert residents on their way home Thursday night spotted a Black male sneaking from porch to porch of Jewish homes on Carroll Street between Troy and Schenectady, the residents immediately called Shomrim and did not confront the perp.

Within moments over 10 Shomrim members responded and surrounded the area from the alleyway and front of one of the homes belonging to Reb Yisroel Shemtov, which he made his way to rear to see if there was anything of value there, but ran into a few members who escorted him to the front of the house.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

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Shmulik and Tzini (nee Hershkop) Brand.
IYH at 333 Crown St, [bet New York and Nostrand Ave].

Yossi and Esti (nee Reizes) Lowenbein.
IYH at 1615 Carroll St, [bet Schenectady and Utica Ave].

Leibel and Mindy (nee Tauber) Wallach.
IYH at FREE, 1383 President St, [bet Kingston and Brooklyn Ave].

Yossi and Rochel (nee Silberstein) Sandomire (Crown Heights)

Shmully and Devorah Leah Lein (Shluchim to North Brooklyn).
IYH at 384 Crown St, [bet Brooklyn and New York Ave].

Reuven and Devorah Leah Blau.
IYH at 607 Lefferts Ave, [bet Kingston and Albany Ave].

Hendel and Chanah Miriam Keller
IYH at 1641 President St, [bet Utica and Schenectady Ave].

Stay tuned as we update this list as information becomes available. However, in an unfortunate event that we do not get all the Sholom Zochors this week, we are sorry. But you can help! If you know of any Sholom Zochors or Mazal Tovs you can email it to us at MazalTov@CrownHeights.info! Thank You.

BROOKLYN, NY — If online MBA programs and YouTube got together and had a smart Jewish baby, i would probably bear a striking resemblance to Chabad-Lubavitch’s newbor distance learning venture.

» Extended Article

The Rebbe says:

1. The Rebbe explains that all four answers must be connected:

Even though these are four different explanations of this verse, they must all be connected to each other because they are all explaining the same verse.

A proof to this logic:

The Torah says , “You may not wear Shaatnez (a combination of wool and linen together)”. Our Sages in the Mishnayos teach us that the word “Shaatnez” is really made up of three different words- “Shua - smoothed”, “Tavui - spun”, and “Nuz – woven”. The Talmud learns that since these three different words were contracted into one word, one is not liable for wearing a combination of wool and linen unless all three of these processes were done together; only when it was smoothed, spun, and woven together are you liable for the Biblical prohibition of “Shaatnez”.

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A few months back I attended the inauguration ceremonies for Arnold Eisen, the new chancellor of the Conservative movement's Jewish Theological Seminary. In a symposium preceding the main event, a distinguished panel of scholars discussed the future of the movement and American Judaism. Someone mentioned “Chabad,“ and the roomful of rabbis and professors broke out into knowing titters. Dr. Alan Cooper, the JTS provost, rode the titters into a wave of laughter when he repeated the old line: “Chabad is the religion closest to Judaism.”

» Extended Article

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Tzvi Bass (Kriyat Malachi, Israel) and Shaindy (bas Yankel) Klein (Postville, IA) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Motzoei Shabbos at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

This weeks Living Torah, titled “The Shlichus Needs You” (Volume 42, Episode 165).

Living Torah is a member supported project Become a member today at LivingTorah.org

Available in Hebrew, French and Russian in the Extended Article.

» Extended Article

BROOKLYN, NY — Chabad’s new curriculum is on its way to cracking the Talmudic code for yeshiva students and adult learners. This is part three in a Lubavitch.com series on Chabad's new initiatives in education, social and religious outreach to be launched at the International Conference that formally opens today, at Lubavitch Headquarters in NY.

» Extended Article

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Joshua and Brocha Metzger (Shluchim to Midtown, Manhattan) on the birth of their baby girl.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

More pictures in the Extended Article! (by Y. Blinko - Shturem)

» Extended Article

Alternate Side Parking Rules Suspended on Friday, November 9 for Holiday Observance. All other regulations, including parking meters, remain in effect.

Click here for the 2007 Alternate Side Parking Regulations Suspension Calendar.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Seminars and workshops started at the Kinus today. In this gallery we have a session with Rabbi Baitelman of FridayLight.org, lecturing about managing finances. As well as some last minute registration and Shluchim congregating.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

Reb Mendel of Riminov once pointed upward and proclaimed, “This heaven that you behold with your very eyes, through skepticism it is possible to entirely deny, even prove its inexistence.”

Everyone these days seems to have an opinion about Chabad. On the one hand it is flattering that the once referred to as “sectarian” and “ultra” orthodox organization, to which I belong, has found its way into the minds and hearts of the broader Jewish community. It has even caught the attention of the non Jewish world.

On the other hand, some of the ideas ascribed to the movement – especially regarding its inexplicable success – are often distorted and perplexing. Equally baffling are the sources whence some of these critiques stem.

» Extended Article

More pictures in the Extended Article! (by Y. Blinko - Shturem)

» Extended Article

For the past eighty years, Jewish Book Month – a four-week long pre-Chanukah festival of books sponsored by the Jewish Book Council – has taken JCCs and other organizations by storm. It is the chance for authors, new and veteran, to tour the country and display their literary wares.

This past Wednesday in Monsey marked one of the first lectures to inaugurate this year's celebrations. In a joint event of JCC of Rockland and Chabad of New City, Mrs. Sarah Karmely spoke about her new book Words to Hear With Your Heart: A Journal of Jewish Inspiration for Your Marriage, Your Soul, and Your Life, and her upcoming gift version, Thoughts to Hear with Your Heart: On Jewish Life and Inspiration.

» Extended Article

The Rebbe Davening Shacharis in the winter of 1965 Special Thanks Rabbi Mordechai Kirschenbaum. Click here to see previous weeks pictures.

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Bentzy Marcus (Los Angeles, CA) and Rashi Jacobson (Crown Heights) on their enagagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be tonight, Thursday at Bais Rivkah, 310 Crown St, [between New York and Nostrand Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] – With reports that temperatures will brush with the freezing point, Crown Heights streets are alive and buzzing. Shluchim from around the world began gathering yesterday for the annual International Conference of Shluchim.

Police have stepped up their patrols in order to secure the special guests, commanding office of the 71st Precinct Deputy Inspector Frank Vega told CrownHeights.info. But it wasn’t his word that we had to rely on. One car was posted on Union and Albany and two officers were seen patrolling on foot up and down that Avenue while a number of other foot patrols covered Kingston Avenue.

For the complete ten day weather forecast just scroll down to our weather information, or click the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] – With thousands of Shluchim pouring in to Crown Heights registration opened up in Oholei Torah where Shluchim received their passes and informative materials, followed by supper in the main ballroom.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

» Extended Article

Mikvah Meir will have extended hours in honor of Kinus HaShluchim. The Mikvah is located at 394 Kingston Ave [between Montgomery and Crown St].

More information and to take a tour of the Mikvah go to Mikvah.info

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Three-year-olds usually take small steps, but on her third birthday Matti Zaklikovsky — together with her family and the Monroe Jewish community — took a giant leap forward for Jewish continuity.

» Extended Article

Sreuvi Lazarus (Cape Town, South Africa) and Rivky Lieder (Sydney).
IYH at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

Shmuly Borenstein (Bologna, Italy) and Esty Kessler (Crown Heights).
IYH at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

Bentzy Marcus (Los Angeles) and Rashi Jacobson (Crown Heights).
IYH at Bais Rivkah, 310 Crown St, [bet New York and Nostrand Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

In conjunction with The Land and The Spirit, JLI’s groundbreaking fall course about our unique connection to Israel, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute will be organizing The Land and The Spirit Mission to Israel. The tour, beginning March 23rd - 6th Adar II, will bring to life the inherent holiness of Eretz Yisroel as studied in the course. Shluchim and members of their communities will converge from all over the world for an inspiring, learning experience.

More info and flyer in the Extended Article!

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We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Shmulik and Tzini (nee Hershkop) Brand (Crown Heights) on the birth of their firstborn son.

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to his parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

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STUDIO CITY, CA — Some 350 people from Studio City and its neighboring areas showed up Sunda evening at the CBS Studio Center for a Chabad sponsored Community Concer featuring the dynamic music of the 8th Day.

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MOUNT OLIVE TWP, NJ - With interest growing and a core group returning, the Chabad Jewish Center in Flanders is establishing a strong foundation for its future.

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MOSCOW, Russia — Thirteen Chabad yeshiva students were deported from Russia over the weekend following a visa incident that prompted a rare case of direct intervention by the U.S. State Department.

The students, who were studying in the provincial city of Rostov, about 1,000 miles south of Moscow, were detained on immigrations violations stemming from their failure to properly register with authorities upon their arrival.

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With 150 million phone numbers now registered on the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call list, it seems clear most consumers don’t want to receive unsolicited marketing phone calls. But apparently, it’s not clear to everyone.

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MONROE TOWNSHIP NJ — When most people hear of a Chabad House, images of college students, young professional couples with kids or even backpackers traipsing through the mountains of Asia or South American flit through their minds. Senior citizens usually do not appear in such split-second conceptions.

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Now it is easier than ever to listen to audio of the Rebbe’s talks and Nigunnim on your Ipod.

In time for the International Shluchim Conference, JEM has totally revamped the audio files of the Rebbe, making them easier to access than ever, by organizing them with proper titles, dates and playlists.

More info in the Extended Article!

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Several anti-Jewish hate crimes were recorded in recent weeks as the Anti-Defamation League released a survey recording a rise in American Anti-Semitism.

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BROOKLYN, NY — The following is one of the many new initiatives to be launched at the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Shluchim which begins tonight, at Lubavitch Headquarters in NY.

As an outreach activity, visiting seniors is even older than the people it serves But Chabad’s new “Smile On Seniors” approach to bonding with the elderly is spry young program, getting ready for it’s breakout moment at the Internationa Shluchim Convention.

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PONTE VEDEA BEACH, FL — Chabad of the Beaches is proud to announce that we have purchased the home adjacent to Chabad. The home will serve as a residence for the Kurinsky family. This much anticipated purchase will allow for Chabad to make full use of our current Chabad House. The new Chabad center is sponsored by Mr. Michael and Fiona Scharf.

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Achiya Rogalsky (Crown Heights) and Rivky Hazan (Rome, Italy).
IYH at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

Mendy Weg (Tulsa, OK) and Itty Kalmanson (Crown Heights).
IYH at Bais Rivkah, 310 Crown St, [bet New York and Nostrand Ave].

Yisroel Cohen (Pittsburgh, PA) and Rishi Kaminetzky (Melbourne).
IYH at Beis Levi Yitzchok, 556 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

BROOKLYN, NY — A conspicuous 66% of Jewish kids are missing in action. They are, according to National Jewish Population and Avi Chai studies, the number of Jews elementary and high school students who attend public schools and are no enrolled in any form of religious education. On the at-risk continuum for the disappearing Jew, these kids are in the red zone.

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The following is a letter a student sent his Rabbi back at home after spending a weekend in Crown Heights as part of the Chabad on Campus ‘Jewish Weekend’ which he participated along with Rabbi Zalman and his wife Sarah Deitsch, program directors of the Schottenstein Chabad House at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Hey Rabbi!

It's Harlan. I don't know if my father told you, but this weekend I went with the Chabad of OSU to Crown Heights for the weekend. It was because there was this big conference of Chabads from colleges all around the country. Rabbi Zalman and Sarah asked me, and I basically said yes without hesitation.

While in Crown Heights, I noticed something. Because it was my first time in there, I didn't really know what to expect, although I did imagine a lot of Jews doing nothing but being Jewish and talking about nothing else. I don't know, but it did seem as if the weekend would be like a trip to any museum; seeing boring exhibits of 'old school' Judaism.

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KENOSHA, WI — A menorah can be displayed in a city park under newly created standards.

The city's Board of Park Commissioners established a new set of polices for placing religious symbols in Civic Center and Veterans Memorial parks on Monday.

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Please take a moment and say a Kapitel Tehillim for a Refuah Shlaima.

Chana bas Esther

Freida Rochel bas Raizel

Until now, the private life of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, has been shrouded in mystery. Based on first-person testimony from the oral history project, My Encounter with the Rebbe, The Early Years Volume Three sheds unprecedented light on the Rebbe and Rebbetzin's last years in Paris, from 1938 through 1940. From JemStore.com

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yossi and Devory Rosenberg (Thousand Oaks, CA) on the birth of a baby girl!

May the newborn be a source of Nachas to her parents, grandparents, relatives and Klal Yisroel.

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia — A new humanitarian project organized by the Synagogue in Rostov-on-Don has resulted in the distribution of food aid to more than 400 children from the southern Russian cities of Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, Novocherkassk and Cherkassk.

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A group of rabbis from Israel have sent a letter to US President George W. Bush warning him that if the planned Annapolis Middle East parley is not cancelled, a disaster will befall US citizens, just as Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans after Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip in August 2005.

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We would like to wish Mazal Tov to Yehuda Leib Heber (Crown Heights) and Dassie Butman (Crown Heights) on their engagement.

The L'Chaim will IYH be Motzoei Shabbos at Lubavitcher Yeshiva, 570 Crown St, [entrance on Albany Ave].

To submit a Simcha or Mazal Tov please email us at mazaltov@crownheights.info!.

FORT MYERS, FL — The entire Southwest Florida Jewish Community was invited to a beautiful evening, A catered cocktail hour, fresh Sushi, full Bar, A Lavish Dinner on the outdoor grounds of Chabad organized by Nechamie Minkowicz the Rabbi’s wife.

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